Wild Card driver Chiara Battig secured the fastest time during the F1 Academy free practice session at Silverstone on July 3, 2026, marking a successful debut in the all-female racing series.
The 16-year-old Swiss driver clocked a time of 2:02.640 to finish two-tenths of a second ahead of current championship leader Alisha Palmowski.
Hitech kept its drivers in the pit lane until the final 20 minutes of the session before Battig surged to the top of the leaderboard.
The achievement makes her the first Wild Card entry to lead an official session in the history of the championship.
"I'm happy to get a good start," said Chiara Battig. "There are still a lot of things that I have to improve.
It was my first time driving in this car, so it's very different to what I'm used to."
Battig noted that the car features heavier braking, heavier steering, and more grip in the tyre compared to her previous experience.
"I think it is a good step for a strong weekend," she added.
The Swiss racer previously claimed a podium at the same venue in British F4 but noted that technical variations require a different approach to the circuit.
She anticipated that track evolution from support series races would significantly increase grip levels ahead of the qualifying sessions.
"It's just maximising all the track," explained Battig. "Maximising all the corner speed, especially through Maggotts and Becketts.
There's a lot of straights, you just need to prep everything very well and prepared early."
"There's going to be a huge step in grip probably because the track is really dirty," she said.
Battig admitted she cannot predict exact grip levels as she has never driven with F2 or F3, but she expects higher speeds and later braking.
"I did a lot of sim with grip changes to really get into it," she noted.
Despite mounting expectations surrounding her pace, the Hitech driver remained focused on addressing performance areas before competing for pole position.
"We had a good Free Practice," noted Battig. "If we improve on the things we have to improve, I think we'll be looking strong."
Home Favorites Aim for Strong Weekend
Local competitors Ella Lloyd and Alisha Palmowski entered the weekend managing heightened expectations ahead of their home event.
Palmowski currently holds a 25-point lead in the Drivers' Standings following two victories in Montreal, while Lloyd sits eighth overall.
"It's obviously very exciting to be racing there on the F1 package with F1 ACADEMY," said Ella Lloyd, McLaren Driver Development driver.
"I think we've got to grip with the track pretty well, I've had good success there before and I know what I need to do there," she added.
Lloyd stated her goal is to win every race, regardless of it being a home event.
Palmowski expressed deep emotional ties to the circuit, reflecting on how her interest in motorsport began as a spectator at the British Grand Prix over a decade ago.
"It's always been my dream to race at the British Grand Prix," said Alisha Palmowski, Red Bull Racing driver.
"Silverstone is really where my passion for motorsport was unlocked."
The championship frontrunner added that competing on the actual grid serves as a major milestone in her junior career.
"I don't think my younger self would believe it to be honest," she said. "My whole journey has been such a whirlwind."
Palmowski acknowledged the distinct competitive pressure that comes with attempting to win her home race.
"There's more pressure to beat everybody and win," admitted Palmowski. "I think that would be a real dream come true."
Lloyd, who transitioned into single-seaters from a background in competitive showjumping and skiing, noted that her diverse athletic history aids her adaptability to changing track surfaces.
"I learnt a lot from show jumping and ski racing and definitely it transitioned well into car racing," explained Lloyd.
"You've got to feel the surface underneath you because it could change," she said.
Robertson Reflects on Rapid Rise
Scottish driver Rachel Robertson entered the weekend following her selection for the 2026 academy line-up, after making an impression during late 2025 events.
"It was my first time being at a Formula 1 Grand Prix and my first time racing in one [in F1 Academy], but I just went with the mindset of: 'This is such a cool experience, just have fun with it,'" said Rachel Robertson.
Robertson secured her position following strong performances at a rookie evaluation day in Navarra, Spain, where her lap times quickly drew the attention of team officials.
The young driver, who began karting in 2022, emphasized that the sense of complete independent control attracted her to the discipline.
"What I always loved about it was: I'm the one driving, I'm the one in control," said Robertson.
Supported by her family managing logistical roles and a specialized coaching staff, she combines her competitive career with studies in motorsport engineering in Wiltshire.
She works closely alongside dedicated engineers at the Hitech squad to review telemetry data throughout each event.
"Everyone's got their own race engineer so we can discuss the data," said Robertson.
The student highlighted the benefits of her academic focus, which remains highly applicable to her modern racing commitments.
"It's very complementary," said Robertson. "With it being a motorsport course, the lecturers are very understanding and lenient."
She also credited psychological preparation as an essential component for navigating the quick step up to large-scale events.
"I've gone from zero to racing on Formula 1 weekends, and it's a lot to handle," said Robertson.
Access to professional paddocks allows her to observe established racing personnel closely during competitive weekends.
Robertson recalled receiving direct motivation from multiple world champion Max Verstappen during a paddock interaction.
"You just need to believe you can do it. If you don't believe you can do it, then what do you have?"
said Max Verstappen.
Robertson also received development funding through an award established by sports presenter Gabby Logan, which helped secure her entry into testing sessions.
"I was so nervous," explained Robertson. "They were so kind and really on board with what I've done so far."
The financial support proved instrumental in advancing her racing opportunities during the preparation phases.
"I wouldn't have been able to go to the rookie test without it," said Robertson.
